Safety control



Jime 18, 1 946. F. A. ls'ruHLMAN ETAL vSAFETY CONTROL' Filed Oct. 25, 1943 CIRCUIT Cam s/mff Patented June 18, 1946 SAFETY CONTROL Frank A. Stuhlman, Forest Park, Ill., and Carl O.

Bruestle, Rahway, N. J., assignors to Borg- Warner Corporation, Chicagoylll., a corporation of Illinois Application October 25, 1943, Serial No. 507,580

6 Claims.

This invention is directed primarily to the provision on a safety control for weaving machines and the like, of the general type shown in Patent No. 2,223,317, issued to W. B. Ewing on November 26, 1940, for the Weaving of screens such as those shown in United States Letters Patent No. 2,194,222 issued to said W. B. Ewing on March 19, 1940.

This invention is directed primarily toa safety control whereby the weaving machine is automatically controlled and is stopped upon failure of the ribbon-like cross element or weft to move through the weaving head of the machine in the proper manner.

In the past, it has been found that occasionally the weft member will become jammed or, due to other reasons such as reaching the end of the spool, will fail to pass through the head of the machine. If some means is not provided for automatically caring for this failure, the Weaving operations will either result in a screen which has flaws therein or the screen being woven will fail to move through the weaving machine. As a consequence it may be necessary for the operator to throw away a considerable amount of material which may be ruined by the continued operation of the machine when the elements of the woven screen are not entering their proper places.

\ It is an object of this invention to provide means for stopping the entire machine when the weft element fails to enter its proper position for the weaving operation.

It is another object of this invention to disclose a novel means of trapping the weft member in its proper position in the screen. In this connection, it is a feature to disclose a manually adjustable means whereby the length of the weft element may be varied, thereby varying the width of the screen being woven. Also in this connection, it is a feature to disclose a means whereby the weft -element is under full control at all times and after passing through the head of the machine, as desired, and will not be thrown out past Ithe desired length and thereby wasted.

It is an object of the invention to disclose a means whereby the weft element is moved into the proper position by rollers or the like which are driven by a one-way shaft, and which shaft is at all times under the desired amount of con-V trol of a, braking element.

It is an object to provide an arrangement which requires a minimum of manual control and supervision, and in which the movement of the weft and control of the machine is what may be termed automatic, the means for accomplish- 2 ing this purpose being simple and relatively inexpensive.

Other and more detailed objects, advantages and uses of my invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specication taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which forms a, part thereof and wherein:

There is herein disclosed a schematic or diagrammatic arrangement showing the means for accomplishing the purposes of this invention.

Referring more in detail to the drawing, there is provided a weaving machine head comprising f a back comb 2, a, movable front comb 4, a cutoff means or knife 6, and a cutoi block 8. As shown in the drawing these elements are only illustrated in fragmentary form, inasmuch as they maybe similar to devices shown in the above mentioned Patent No. 2,223,317, and other devices well known in the art.

The weft member I0, which is preferably ribbon-like, is here shown in fragmentary form entering the slot I2 0f the weaving head. In the embodiment to which this disclosure is primarily directed, this weft member I0 may be a ribbonlike strip of copper such as would be made by rolling out or flattening a copper wire. The weft I0 is carried in slot I2 which slot may extend across the head of the machine and be formed by the front and back combs in the embodiment shown. Although it is not particularly important for the purpose of this specification, the slot I2 is variable in size by relative movement of the front comb 4 with respect to the back comb 2. The slot I2 is enlarged slightly for the movement of the weft II) therethrough in a longitudinal 1 direction, and then the movable comb 4 closes down on the vweft I0 and holds it securely during the cutting operation. When the weft I0 is in the position as shown in the drawing, the knife 6 moves forward and cuts it, allowing the portion extending through block to be separated from the portion held by the combs, and the block 8 is so formed with respect to the groove I2 that it holds the weft I0 preventing objectionable movement of the weft I0 during the cutting of said weft, while the knife 6 is moving forward. Upon completion of the cutting operation, however, the cut-off portion of the weft Il) in the block 8 will drop from the groove.

The comb 4 and the knife 6 are operated from the camshaft I4 in a manner which is not shown but which is well known and is fairly apparent from the above mentioned patent, No. 2,223,317 to Ewing, and from other applications copending herewith.

The weft moving mechanism, shown at I6, comprises a segmental gearor quadrant I8 which is journaled rotatively on the shaft 20. A quadrant arm 22 moves the quadrant I8 back and forth as indicated by the arrow. The quadrant arm 22 is adjustably attached to the driving shaft 24 by means of an adjustable link or crank 26. As schematically shown by the drawing, this link 26 may be extended or reduced in length and held in such adjusted position (by means not shown) whereby the amount of arcuate movement of the quadrant i8 may be varied in accordance with the size of the screen being woven. `The shaft 2'4 is attached to the camshaft I4 by means of bevel gears or the like whereby the camshaft I4 rotates the shaft 24, and actuates the quadrant arm 22 in the obvious manner.

A roller shaft 28 is rotated by the quadrant i8, preferably by means of a gear 38 which engages teeth in the outer circumference of the quadrant i8. This shaft 28 is provided with a means comprising a one-way clutch 32, so that the gears 34 and rollers S are driven only in the direction indicated by the arrows on the rollers 36.'

The weft i6 passes between rollers 36, and is thereby driven in the indicated direction by said rollers.

A 'simple brake means is provided in connection with the roller shaft 28 for preventing the weft l0. from being,r carried to greater distance than desired in its longitudinal movement, due to the momentum of the shaft 28 and the weft itself. This brake shown in its entirety at 39 likewise holds the shaft against reverse rotation when the quadrant i8 is returning to the starting position.

The brake 3.9 comprises a brake drum 38 att'ached to the shaft 28, a support 42 (which may be a small angular strip of metal or the like), attached tothe machine or any other conven ient sustaining means (not shown) a flexible brake band 46 one end of which is attached to thejsupport 42, and the other end of which is placed under tension by a rod-like catch 44 or the iikeattached to the brake band and having spring means exerting constant tension on said brake band. It is noted that the brake member visarranged with the open end of the brake band in a direction which will permit the shaft 28 to rotate 'in the direction indicated by the arrow, under tension merely sufficient to prevent overrunning'due to momentum. On the return to the's'ta'rting position of the quadrant I8 the bra-lie Sholds the shaft so that the clutch 32 is actuated to overrun and the upper portion of the shaftdoes not rotate in such a reverse action.

The brake band 45 may be made 0f canvas or leather or other material which can be replaced at Vfrequent intervals if necessary.

Means is provided to control the operation of the mechanism herein described. The control means, as indicated, comprises the switch 45 and the contact points 48, connected in parallel to a relay 49 operating a motor circuit 5i). The cam shaft. I@ 4is provided with a contact portion of surface 52, the circumferential portion of which, with the exception of the segment 54, comprises an electrical conducting material which forms the connection between points 56 and 58 in the lines 7 and 5S. However, the segment 54 is a nonconductor and when either or both of the points 56 or 58 are on said segment 54, then the electrical circuit to the relay in the lead lines 60 and 62 through the point 56 and 58 is broken. Unless some other means is provided for continuing the electrical circuit, it will be broken and the motor will stop. When this happens of course the machine will stop.

In order to make the continued operation of the machine contingent upon the proper operation of the` weft i8, the switch 46 is provided which, in the simple form shown here, comprises the post 64 on which is mounted a base 66 and a pair of contact leaves 68 and 1Q. The contact leaves 68 and I8 are spaced slightly apart, and the contact leaf 68 has a connection to the line 59 While the contact leaf 'Iii has a connection to the line 51.

The base is preferably provided with a pair cf upstanding studs 72, through which is rotatively journaled the switch operatingr wire 14. This wire 'lll is so shaped that when its depending end portion is contacted by the weft member it, it raises the portion of the wire passing under the blade or leaf 1G, and thereby raises the leaf l into contact with the blade 68. When this occurs, the circuit is closed and the relay continues to operate the motor circuit despite the fact that the insulating segment 54 has broken the circuit through the points 56 and 58. In the actual operation, the switch is set so that the weft I@ actuates the switch operating wire 'f4 substantially when the latter reaches its position and is ready for the cutting operation. The switch 45 thus closes the electrical circuit to the relay, while the cam shaft is rotating to a position where the points 5 and 58 will be on the insulating surface It is understood that should the weft i5 fail to reach the position Where it raises the operating wire 'I4 and`closes the switch 46, the machine will stop when one of the points 56 or 58 reaches the insulating segment 54. The operator must then make the necessary adjustments so that the weft member I5 is properly positioned to operate again, before starting the machine.

Although the operation of the device is more or less self-explanatory from the drawing, it may be summarized as follows:

Rotation of the cam shaft I4 drives the shaft 24, which, through the adjustable link 26, moves the Yquadrant arm 22 and swings the quadrant i8 forward and backward. When the quadrant I8 is moving in one direction, it rotates the shaft 28in the direction shown by the arrow, causing the shaft to turn against light friction of the brake 39, and rotate the rollers 36 as above described whereby the weft member l0 is moved through the groove I2 in the head of the weaving machine.

While this operation is proceeding, the circuit to the motor is closed through the line and the points 56 and 58 (together with the circuits of the surface 52). When the points 56 and 58 reach the position shown in the drawing, the weft I0 has contacted the switch operating wire 14, and caused the switch leaf V68 to close contact with leaf 10, and thus continue the relay circuit which actuates the motor circuit and keeps the device in operation.

About this time in the circuit of operation, the cutting knife 6 begins to move up and cuts the weft wire I8 causing the segment contacting the switch operating wire 14 to drop from the groove I2. When this occurs the cam shaft I4 will have reachedthe position where the points 56 and 58 areagain in contact on the contact surface 52. Likewise during the-pericdof time when the weft I0 engages the switch actuating wire 14, the quadrant I8 will move back tothefbeginning position, during which the shaft 28 is held stationary by the brake band '40, the one-way clutch 32y absorbing the rotation of the driving gear 30 engaging the quadrant I8. A

The angle of the arc through which the quadrant I8 moves is determined, Within limits, by the length of the adjustable link 26.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a simple inexpensive safety control and weft actuating 'device for devices of the class described.

While we have described our invention in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is tov be understood that this is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, and the scope of our invention is defined solely by the appended claims which should be'construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.

We claim:

l. In a weaving machine of the class described actuating` and control means for actuating and controlling movements of a weft element in performing weaving operations in said weaving machine, comprising electrical circuit means operating electrical means driving said weft element in connection with the operation of said weaving machine, means actuating said electrical means, means discontinuing said last above mentioned actuating means for predetermined portions of the weaving operation, and means operated upon movement of said weft element continuing the operation of said electrical means driving said weaving machine during the period in which said rst above mentioned electrical circuit means has been broken.

2. Actuating and control means for actuating` and controlling movements of a weft element in a weaving machine of the class described, said means including an electric motor and a camshaft in connection with said Weaving machine, said actuating and control means comprising a quadrant mounted for reciprocaton through an arcuate angle, an adjustable link driven by said camshaft, means comprising a quadrant arm drivingly connecting each quadrant to said adjustable link, a, roller shaft, weft-engaging means in connection with said roller shaft and driven thereby, means drivingly connecting said roller shaft to said quadrant, means substantially preventing said weft-engaging and actuating rollers from operating in a reverse direction to the movement of the weft element through the Weaving machine, an electric circuit actuating said electric motor, means in connection with saidcamshaft closing said electric circuit for the operation of said motor during a, portion of the revolution of said camshaft, and means likewise in connection with said camshaft opening said circuit during a portion of the revolution of said camshaft whereby said motor circuit is broken, and means actuated by the movement of said weft member into the preselected position completing said circuit whereby the motor is energized during the portion of the rotation of the camshaft in which saidvrst mentioned circuit arrangement is disconnected, the arrangement being such that failure of the weft member to actuate said last mentioned circuit means by moving into the preselected position, results in the motor stopping and weaving operations being discontinued.

3. Actuating and control means for actuating and controlling movements of a weft element in a weaving machine of the class described having a camshaft, said actuating and control means comprising a quadrant mounted for reciprocaton through a predetermined arcuate angle and having gear engaging teeth on its outer periphery, an

adjustable' link driven by said camshaft, 'a quadrant arm lattached at one end to said quadrant and at the otherl end to said adjustable link, a roller shaft, weft engaging and actuating rollers drivenbysaidrroller shaft, gear means on said roller` shaft engaging the teeth on said quadrant, a one-Way clutch on said roller shaft between said gear means and said driven rollers, brake means in rconnection with said roller shaft retarding said 'rollers against overrunning in 'the operation of moving the weft member and substantially preventing rotation of the said rollers in -a reverse direction during the overrunning of the one-way clutch upon' the reverse movement of the quadrant, an electric motor with a holding relay,` electric circuit means actuating said relay operating the motor, said electric circuit means including circumferential segmental contact means in connection with said camshaft, a segmental contact breaking means in connection with said camshaft, the arrangement being such that the contact braking means is interposed between' the ends of the segmental contact means, contact points completing the electriccircuit to the relay by contacting .said contact means on said camshaft, and discontinuing said electric circuit by contact breaking means on said camshaft, electr-lc switch means operable to close said elec.. tric circuit when said contact points engage such contact breaking means on said camshaft, and means comprising a switch actuating wire positioned for engagement by said weft means when the latter reaches its extended position, whereby contact of the switch actuating Wire by said weft means closes the relay circuit and thereby maintains the motor circuit in operation during the movement of said contact points past the contact breaking segment on said camshaft.

4. Actuating and control means for actuating and controlling movements of a weft element in a weaving head actuating and control means comprising mechanical means positioning said weft element, electric motor means having an electric circuit operating said mechanical means, said electric circuit having a plurality of connections in parallel to a source of current, mechanical means interrupting one of said parallel connections upon completion of movement of the weft element in the desired position in the weaving operation, and switch means actuated upon movement of said weft element continuingthe electric circuit to said motor when said weft element is in the proper position, the arrangement being suchv that failure of the weft element to enter the proper position in the weaving operation will result in the circuit to the motor being interrupted and the Weaving operations discontinued.

5. Actuating and control means for actuating and controlling movements of a weft element in a weaving machine of the class described, said means including an electric motor and a camshaft in connection with said Weaving machine, said -actuating and control means comprising a quadrant mounted for reciprocaton through an arcuate angle, a link driven by said camshaft, means comprising a quadrant arm drivingly connecting each quadrant to said link, a roller shaft, weft-engaging means in connection with said roller shaft and driven thereby, means drivinglyv connecting said roller shaft to said quadrant, means substantially preventing said weft-engaging and actuating rollers from operating in a reverse direction to the movement of the weft element through the weaving machine, an electric circuit actuating said electric motor, means in connection with said camshaft closing said electn'c .circuit for the operation of said motor Aduring a portion of the revolution of said camshaft, and means likewise in connection with said camshaft opening said circuit during a portion of the revolution of said camshaft whereby said motor vcircuit is broken, and means actuated by the movement of said weft member into the preselected position completing said circuit whereby the motor is energized during the portion of the `rotation of the camshaft in which said rst mentioned circuit arrangement is disconnected, the arrangement being such that failure of the weft member to actuate said last mentioned circuit means by moving into the 'preselected position, results in the motor stopping and weaving operations being discontinued.

6. Actuating and control means for actuating and controlling movements of a weft element in a weaving machine of the class described having a camshaft, said actuating and control means comprising a quadrant mounted for reciprocation through a predetermined arcuate angle and having gear engaging teeth on its outer periphery, a link driven by said camshaft, a quadrant `arm attached at one end to said quadrant and at the other end to said link, a roller shaft, weft engaging and actuating rollers driven by said roller shaft, gear means on said roller shaft engaging the teeth on said quadrant, a one-way clutch on said roller shaft between said gear means and said driven rollers, brake means in connection with said roller shaft retarding said rollers against overrunning in the operation of moving the weft member and substantially preventing rotation of the said rollers in a reverse direction during the overrunning of the one-way clutch upon the reverse movement of the quadrant, an electric motor with a holding relay, electric circuit means actuating said relay operating the motor, said electric circuit means including circumferential segmental contact means in connection with said camshaft, a segmental contact breaking means in connection with said camshaft, the arrangement being such that the contact breaking means is interposed between the ends of these'gm'ental contact means, contact points completing the electric circuit to the relay by contacting said Contact means on said camshaft, and discontinuing said electric circuit by contact breaking means on 'said camshaft, electric switch means'o'perable to close said electric circuit when said contact points engage such contact breaking means on said camshaft, and means comprising a switch actuating wire positioned for engagement by said weftmeans when.` the' latter reaches its extended position, whereby contact of the switch actuating Wire by said weft means closes the relay circuit and thereby 4maintains the motor circuit in operation during the movement of said contact points Vpast the contact breaking segment on said camshaft.

FRANK A. STUHLMAN. CARL O. BRUESTLE. 

